Empowering Athletes Through the Kate Steinle Memorial Fund 

“Whatever is good for your soul, do that.” 

Kate Steinle lived these words every day. She was a traveler, a volunteer, and a friend who found joy in connection and compassion. Whether watching elephants roam free in Africa or enjoying a simple walk outside, Kate understood that life’s smallest moments often hold the deepest meaning. 

Her life was tragically cut short in 2015 at age 32, when she was shot while walking with her father along Pier 14 in San Francisco. Her death was a devastating loss to her family, friends, and the many communities she touched. 

One of those communities was the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). Kate had a deep connection to CAF through her close friend, Nicole Ludwig, a top CAF fundraiser and participant in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge. Nicole remembers Kate as “strong-willed, passionate, and full of empathy—someone who never judged anyone for being different and taught us to appreciate the small moments in life.”

How the Kate Steinle Memorial Fund Makes an Impact 

Established in Kate’s honor, the Kate Steinle Memorial Fund transforms her compassion into action. The fund provides grants to athletes with physical disabilities, ensuring they have access to the equipment, training, and opportunities needed to pursue their sports at every level—from first-time participants to Paralympic hopefuls. 

Each grant represents more than financial support—it is a direct investment in someone’s confidence, independence, and future. Athletes who receive this funding carry a piece of Kate’s spirit with them, showing the world that with perseverance, community, and access, barriers can be overcome. 

The fund is sustained through generous donations and proceeds from the Good For Your Soul Charity Run, an event that reflects Kate’s belief in living with purpose and joy. 

Grant Recipients Through the Years 

2023 — Sarah Wiseman | Basketball Wheelchair 

Sarah’s passion for wheelchair basketball fuels her commitment to the sport. A new basketball chair, funded at CAF’s Community Challenge Weekend, allows her to train harder, play faster, and pursue her athletic goals with greater independence. 

2022 — Tessa Brown | $2,000 Sports Expense Grant 

Born in Ethiopia, missing both legs and her right arm, Tessa was adopted at 18 months old. She found a love for swimming before her second birthday, building strength and mobility through the sport. This grant helps her continue competing and chasing her dream of swimming at the elite level. 

2021 — Rowan Blackwelder | Grit Freedom Chair Junior 

Rowan has Friedreich ataxia, a rare neuromuscular disease. Discovering wheelchair basketball changed his life—allowing him to play with his friends, his brother, and his dad. His new off-road chair has opened up more opportunities to stay active and engaged. 

2020 — Keely Hess | Running Leg 

Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 12, Keely underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of her left leg above the knee. Before her diagnosis, she was a competitive dancer and active in multiple sports. Her running leg is helping her return to dance and explore new athletic goals. 

2019 — Andie Sue & Kaysie Li Roth | Equestrian Training 

Adopted from China and living with limb differences, sisters Andie Sue and Kaysie Li have excelled in competitive horseback riding, earning multiple championships. CAF support has allowed them to train at a higher level and mentor other young riders with disabilities. 

2018 — Ella Rodriguez | Running Leg & Luzi Castillo | Surfboard 

Ella, born with a club foot, is an active multi-sport athlete who competes in track, surfing, archery, and wheelchair basketball. Luzi, a wheelchair user since childhood, uses surfing to inspire other kids to dream big and pursue their passions. 

2017 — Annie Carey | Bike 

Born with a congenital club foot, Annie has been participating in sports with CAF support for five years. Her bike helps her train for running and cycling races with her sights set on the Paralympics. 

2016 — Kumaka Jensen | Surfboard & Xavier Carreon | WCMX Training 

Both born with Spina Bifida, Kumaka and Xavier use sport to express themselves, push limits, and build confidence—whether in the ocean or at the skate park. 

2015 — Mayli Gibson & Brooklyn Gibson | Handcycle & WCMX Chair 

Best friends Mayli and Brooklyn—both born with Spina Bifida—were the first memorial fund recipients. They remain active in sports from tennis to WCMX, showing that disability does not limit possibility. 

Honoring Kate’s Spirit Through Sport 

The Kate Steinle Memorial Fund is more than a tribute—it is an active force for change. It honors Kate’s empathy and adventurous spirit by helping athletes remove the barriers that stand between them and their goals. 

Every story of a grant recipient is a reminder that Kate’s legacy is alive, vibrant, and growing. Through each race completed, skill learned, or personal best achieved, her influence continues to inspire. 

Join the Legacy 

Your support helps keep Kate’s memory alive by empowering more athletes to pursue their dreams in sport. 

Learn more and contribute to the Kate Steinle Memorial Fund.